Author, inspirational speaker, and Kaysville resident Sam Bracken will speak at a Davis Reads event set for March 13 at 7 p.m. at Viewmont High School. Though the event is free, donations are welcome to help build a teen center in the area.

Bracken grew up amid hunger and abuse, but earned a football scholarship to college. He wrote about the experience in his book, “My Orange Duffel Bag.”

“Teachers, administrators, and people who cared changed the direction of my life,” said Bracken in a press release.

According to Davis School District Homeless Services Director Mary Ann Nielson, there are more than 2,000 youth in Davis County who are considered homeless. The teen center would focus on helping homeless teens find housing.